The importance of advisory boards in undergraduate chemistry teaching.

This paper investigates the usefulness of advisory boards from the perspective of a University Chemistry Department. It is shown that the impact of secondary school teachers on the Teaching Advisory Board contributes positively to maintaining congruence between post-16 preuniversity courses and first year undergraduate courses. Several examples are provided where this board has provided valuable direction to the teaching at year 1. For a Chemistry (Science) department it is also important to have an Industrial Advisory Board populated with active industrialists. This board contributes towards the later stages of the degree programme and ensures that graduates are well prepared for employment. A newer advisory board, borne out of the creation of a Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning shows how a diverse group can also be an effective advisory board. The key element for success is having well defined terms of reference and clear objectives.